Work Item
ASTM WK62641

Revision of B117-16 Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus

Rationale

The majority of highly used and esteemed cabinet corrosion tests have one thing in common, measurement of the corrosivity of the environment via the use of metal samples. Mass loss (and some times mass gain) has long been used as a means to confirm the success of a properly run test. ASTM B117 falls short in this regard and is in need of adjustment. Test such as ASTM B368, GMW14872, SAE J2334, ISO 9227, and Ford L467 all require the use of metal coupons to monitor corrosive activity. Mass loss is widely used and easy to do. B117 has described the mass loss procedure in the appendix for years as a possible measurement and it is time to take the next step. Additionally, for more than 10 years, commercially available proficiency testing programs have been offered specifically for the ASTM B117 test mass loss procedure. It is an inexpensive way to compare results between and within labs. In some cases, these programs will even pre clean, pre weigh, post clean and post weigh the mass loss panels for the customer. All the participant is required to do is run the samples for 4 days, rinse, dry and return them. It is very economical and fast, not requiring a participant to purchase any additional equipment or be burdened with training new technicians. ISO 17025 accredited laboratories to the ASTM B117 document have been participating in mass loss runs without difficulty for many years. Some run the samples on their own, while others set up inter-laboratory studies, or join an existing proficiency testing program. This history has proven the ease of use and validity of using mass loss as a tool to cross check the corrosive environment in the B117 test. In addition, these programs along with the data already published in the appendix of ASTM B117 provide the user base a set of published data that can be used for comparison purposes. A study of these programs and ASTM B117 show an average range between 1.4 and 1.6 grams for a 96 hour run. The task group is proposing the addition of a new section in the main body of the document to require the use of mass loss coupons. The duration of this mass loss test can be selected by the user but be no less than 96 hours, and should be consistent over time to provide meaningful data for comparison purposes. Currently, a user relies on such measurements as cabinet temperature, bubble tower temperature, bubble tower pressure, collection rates, specific gravity, pH and volume of condensation as criteria that a successful test has been run. Even with reported values within published limits, it is not uncommon to find end results that fluctuate beyond acceptability. This annual mass loss run is proposed as an additional data point to be kept and compared over time to help understand cabinet performance. A variant of this item has been balloted previously with many comments. The rationale for this ballot is being greatly detailed in an effort to answer all of the previous concerns.

Details

Developed by Subcommittee: G01.05

Committee: G01

Staff Manager: Krista Robbins

Work Item Status

Date Initiated: 03-05-2018

Technical Contact: Kevin Smith

Item: 004

Ballot: G01 (18-01)

Status: Will Reballot Item

Item: 001

Ballot: G01.05 (20-01)

Status: Will Reballot Item